Valentine's Day in New York City

The most romantic day of the year is just around the corner and if you are looking to impress your loved one then New York City will not disappoint. If you have cash to flash then there are plenty of extravagant ways to spend it but equally a beautiful view or romantic stroll can be just as special.

Central Park is a great place to start. There is something so magical about this rugged green expanse in the heart of the city. Take one of the horse and carriage rides from the south entrance or just wander through its maze of paths and get lost in a world away from the city. If you can find your way back out then head to the Central Park ice rink (www.wollmanskatingrink.com). At night, it feels like you are in a movie and is a great way to show off your athletic prowess!

Another option for ice skating fans is to go down to Rockefeller Center. For an extra special visit take the 'Engagement on ice' package offered by www.restaurantassociates.com. This will give you the champagne, private skate round the rink and all the impetus you need to pop the question. For another proposal plan what better place to do it than the crossroads of the world - Times Square. Toys R Us will write 'will you marry me' or another message on their gigantic LED screen for all to see. Make sure you are positive you want to go through with it though - there's no going back once your name is up in lights!

There is something inanely romantic about water and there is plenty of it surrounding Manhattan. The best way to enjoy it is to be on it. There are many companies that run cruises and dinners varying in length and prices. For an upscale experience try World yacht (www.worldyacht.com) or for a moderate price experience Spirit Cruises (www.spiritcruises.com). If you prefer to just look at the water than be on it then Brooklyn Bridge is another romantic stroll to take.

Ok. If you have some serious money to spend then there are any number of outlets in New York willing to take it off your hands. The most extravagant is the 'love on the rocks' deal at the Ritz Carlton. If there is a way to measure love then this is it. Your 3 days, yes only 3 days, will set you back a crazy $850,000!! For this you get picked up in a private jet, get waited on by your own butler and a chauffeur driven Bentley. They also throw in the traditional trimmings of a candle lit dinner, spa package and sentimental Valentine's gift……a 10 carat diamond Tiffany ring. Well, you need something to show for your $850,000!!

For a more conservative extravagance, in comparison at least, drop in to the Algonquin hotel (www.algonquinhotel.com). Their bar staff will be more than happy to serve up their renowned 'Martini on the rock' cocktail inclusive of diamonds. A bargain at $10,000.

In New York City the streets may not be lined with gold but they are certainly lined with diamonds on 47th street. If you are thinking about popping the question this Valentine's day then head down to the diamond district between 5th and 6th avenue. This area is also home to the World's largest jewelry exchange and if you can't find the perfect ring here then good luck! If you are looking for something extra special then pay a visit to the queen of all jewelry stores - Tiffanys. That little blue/green box has made dreams come true for years.

If you just want to stick to a nice bunch of flowers and an intimate meal then New York is abound with romantic restaurants. The well-known Greenwich Village eatery one if by land, two if by sea (www.oneifbyland.com) is consistently voted the most romantic restaurant in New York. Another classic choice, situated on the Upper West Side, is Terrace in the Sky (www.terraceinthesky.com). In the chilly evenings of February you probably won't be able to sit outside but you will still have great views across the city. For a different view of Manhattan step outside of it. The Water's Edge restaurant (www.watersedgenyc.com) is in Queens and provides a free boat service across the river form 34th street. Sitting right on the water front you have the perfect panorama of the city and the food and service are just as impressive.

Remember, romance isn't just limited to one day a year and all of these locations and offers can be taken advantage of throughout the year. New York is a city of intimate moments and grand gestures creating memories you will never forget. Happy Valentine's day!